agriculture and estates / crime and defence representation / services to union members

Richard Thomas

Partner

tel: 0844 346 3138
email: rthomas@walkersmithway.com
office: Chester

Richard joined Walker Smith Way as a trainee back in 1997. He has particular expertise at all interview and court levels of DEFRA and environmental agency prosecutions, software and agricultural trading standards prosecutions, as well as HM revenue and customs prosecutions.

Richard handles cases including non-registration of livestock, prosecutions relating to animal bi products regulations, prosecutions for animal neglect and cruelty, plus health and safety issues. He has been involved in a number of high profile cases, including a crown court matter in which he successfully defended farmers in relation to animal passports. Although Richard specialises in regulatory work, he also represents clients in general criminal defence and private prosecutions and has been involved in a number of high profile cases.

Richard represented one of Britain's top supergrasses, which led to definition of law and successfully defended a trading standards prosecution involving microsoft software. Richard has been awarded higher rights of audience for criminal proceedings which qualifies him to represent clients before the crown court without the need to instruct a barrister.

Richard is a member of the Chester and Ellesmere Port's 24 Hour Police Station and Court Duty Solicitor schemes.